<p>Sometime Zach Bryan backing vocalist Heaven Schmitt started Grumpy as a solo project. It’s now a six-piece band, blending alt-country with jubilant solidarity</p><p><strong>From</strong> Brooklyn, US<br><strong>Recommended if you like</strong> Wednesday, This Is Lorelei, Alex G<br><strong>Up next</strong> Unfindable

<p>Sometime Zach Bryan backing vocalist Heaven Schmitt started Grumpy as a solo project. It’s now a six-piece band, blending alt-country with jubilant solidarity</p><p><strong>From</strong> Brooklyn, US<br><strong>Recommended if you like</strong> Wednesday, This Is Lorelei, Alex G<br><strong>Up next</strong> Unfindable Ring released 23 October</p><p>“Found family” is something that queer people talk about a lot: finding your people and sticking with them is necessary in a world that often seems to want you quiet at best and dead at worst. Grumpy began as the solo project of frontman Heaven Schmitt, in between stints collaborating and touring with <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/music/2026/jun/15/zach-bryan-review-anfield-stadium-liverpool-with-heaven-on-tour">country-pop star Zach Bryan</a> as a backing vocalist. It’s now a six-piece band with predominantly trans members; some of the group have dated or are dating, and they all work collaboratively on recording, producing, mixing, creating artwork and making music videos.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/music/2026/sep/11/add-to-playlist-grumpys-weirded-up-country-celebration-of-trans-joy-and-the-weeks-best-new-tracks">Continue reading...</a>